The story
Tucked along Bird Street in Lichfield, Shakudo has earned a dedicated following for its take on Japanese comfort food. Creator Only Scrans declared the city “might be my new favourite” after discovering this “hidden gem,” praising its ability to satisfy a craving for Japanese fare. The restaurant buzzes with a casual, local-spot energy—counter seating and takeout options make it equally suited for a quick lunch or a relaxed evening.
The menu leans into crowd-pleasers executed with flair. “Delicious” takoyaki leads, followed by a “special sushi” topped with torched cheese—an Instagrammable twist that fits the venue’s buzzy vibe. A crispy chicken katsu curry rounds out the trifecta, delivering the comforting crunch and warmth Only Scrans sought. With a near-perfect 4.8 rating, Shakudo proves Lichfield punches well above its weight for Japanese dining.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2026.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 3 dish mentions say about the food
Shakudo’s takoyaki earns singular praise for its crisp, molten center, while the overall vibe is one of cozy, unpretentious warmth that elevates simple street food into a comforting ritual.
“I start with an octopus ball that she recommended. It came highly recommended. Would I normally go for an octopus ball? Probably not. But listen, I feel like an octopus has just hit me out. That's unreal. The batter they are coated in, that light tempura. Oh my god. It's a little bomb of flavor. Actual chunks of octopus in there. I'm incredibly thankful that she recommended that because it's delicious.”
What creators say
1 creator has covered Shakudo. Most active: Only Scrans
A fantastic Japanese restaurant in Lichfield serving delicious takoyaki, special sushi with torched cheese, and a crispy chicken katsu curry — a hidden gem that satisfied my craving for Japanese food.
Dishes mentioned
Takoyaki
I start with an octopus ball that she recommended. It came highly recommended. Would I normally go for an octopus ball? Probably not. But listen, I feel like an octopus has just hit me out. That's unreal. The batter they are coated in, that light tempura. Oh my god. It's a little bomb of flavor. Actual chunks of octopus in there. I'm incredibly thankful that she recommended that because it's delicious.
Special Sushi
This is their special sushi with torch cheese on top, a tempura prawn inside, some avocado, and salmon on the very top. They called it their special and it's certainly special. I dip it in soy and then in the boy. With a bit of wasabi and ginger. If you don't have the wasabi and ginger, then you are a child.
Chicken Katsu Curry
This is the chicken katsu curry. The first one I ever had was at Wagamama in Birmingham in about 2010, and it sticks in my mind because it was the first time I'd had curry sauce this good. That is so — don't know if you can hear that — the chicken is so crispy. I absolutely adore Japanese food.
